Process Solutions

How can precision machining be made less expensive? That question—in one form or another—occupies much of the attention of various Lockheed Martin engineers. If the same kind of precision five-axis milling used in the F-35 skin parts could be applied cost-effectively throughout the plane, the result would be higher-performance aircraft that are far less expensive […]

Faced with aggressive deadlines to deliver specialized satellite parts, San Diego’s Vanguard Composites Group started a search. They needed to reduce the time required to machine thick composite sandwich panels before assembly. The large flat panels, made in a variety of measured thicknesses, serve as support structures for satellite antenna reflectors. Vanguard is one of […]

Selecting the right coating for tooling —based on the application— is one of the most important factors to ensure effective machining. The right choice of coating can cut tooling costs per job or per piece because it can lead to reduced friction; less heat development, less cold welding, reduced cutting forces; increased feed and speed […]

Compression router trimming edge of composite panel Custom Metal Cutting Tools Tackle Complex Aerospace Applications As machined parts become more complex, require tighter tolerances and have higher value, the metal cutting tools and processes to make them must become more sophisticated. Aerospace components are a good example. Requirements for reliability, efficiency and performance drive aerospace […]